Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECM) Knowledge Sharing and Exchange workshop

The East Asian Seas region consists of one of the most biologically diverse marine areas in the world and their ecosystem services constitute a critically important blue economy asset to the region. However, pressures from human activities and climate change pose significant challenges to the coastal and marine environment, dependent people and economic activities. Policy and management responses that address current pressures while anticipating future change is critical to meet global, regional and national ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation targets.

The Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) is a regional intergovernmental policy forum and the sole decision-making body for the Action Plan for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment and Coastal Areas of the East Asian Region (the East Asian Seas Action Plan). The East Asian Seas Action Plan envisages implementation of integrated marine and coastal management in order to conserve biodiversity and maintain productivity.  With this goal, while much has been done in advancing protected areas in the marine and coastal environment around the world, other effective area-based conservation measures need to be accelerated especially in the region. 

Meanwhile, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) plays a pivotal role in promoting and coordinating biodiversity conservation across Southeast Asia. Through policy development, scientific research, and capacity building, ACB fosters regional collaboration and supports the implementation of area-based conservation measures. It also plays a key role in guiding regional efforts to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, helping countries meet global targets and ensure the long-term sustainability of marine and coastal ecosystems.

Hence, COBSEA together with the ACB are jointly organizing a regional learning exchange among participating countries in the East Asian Sea on August 15-16, 2025 in Iloilo City, Philippines.